Debt
Councils are addressing financial challenges and managing debt through treasury strategies and calls for fairer funding.
Barking and Dagenham Council reviewed its Treasury Management Strategy in November 2025, providing updates on investment returns, borrowing costs, and regulatory compliance to ensure it meets capital funding requirements. This forms part of how councils manage their debt, which represents financial obligations and money owed. In the same month, Croydon Council appealed for fairer national funding, arguing that current models disadvantage its residents and businesses, as discussed during a review of its 2026-30 Medium Term Financial Strategy Update.
In July 2025, Hounslow Council's debt reached £608.6 million, primarily due to borrowing for its capital programme, with the council planning to manage this for affordability. Also in July 2025, Croydon Council provisionally balanced its 2024-25 budget using £67.9 million in one-off reserves and capitalisation directions, despite a provisional overspend of £29.2 million and ongoing debt concerns. The council's asset disposal programme, encouraged by central government, also aims to address financial challenges.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham Council reviewed its Treasury Management Strategy in November 2025. Source
- Croydon Council appealed for fairer national funding in November 2025. Source
- Hounslow Council's debt reached £608.6 million in July 2025. Source
- Croydon Council provisionally balanced its 2024-25 budget in July 2025 using £67.9 million in one-off reserves. Source
- Croydon Council had a provisional general fund revenue budget overspend of £29.2 million in July 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.